Melbourne Travel Information

Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, is located along the southeastern coastline on Port Phillip Bay. Deriving its name from a past British prime minister, the city was settled in 1835 and one of the few Australian cities to be established by free men, not the criminal population. Shortly after its founding, a gold rush brought prospectors and various opportunists into the city. Following WWII, Mediterranean and Southeast Asian immigrants arrived and Melbourne added these cultures to become the eclectic city for which it is currently known.

Things to do in Melbourne

Containing a wealth of attractions, Melbourne has something to please everyone. Visit the Melbourne Aquarium, an aquarium with three stories of fascinating exhibits. For those seeking adventure, opportunities to ride an underwater roller coaster or dive with sharks are available. The Melbourne Zoo houses 350 different species of wildlife including elephants, wombats and kangaroos. Take a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens, established in 1846 and covering over 99 acres of land. See an assortment of gardens and exhibits or join a guided tour.

Experience high tea at the National Gallery of Victoria, home to an impressive collection of Australian and international art. Popular as a family friendly destination, the Melbourne Museum offers insect exhibits, dinosaur bones and a children's museum. The Melbourne Museum is also distinctive for its IMAX theater and contains the largest cinema screen in the world. The best views in Melbourne can be seen from the Eureka Skydeck 88, an observation deck located on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower. The 360 degree views encompass everything from the city's well-known Cricket Ground to the banks of the Yarra River.

Did you know...

Melbourne is in the same time zone as Gold Coast. So, you shouldn't feel jetlagged when you arrive.

Gold Coast to Melbourne, the shortest return flight is 2 hours and 20 minutes, going through

The IATA airport code for Gold Coast is OOL and for Melbourne it is MEL.